Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

Over $14 million has been recovered on behalf of consumers by the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), since the start of the commission's financial year.

According to chief executive officer of the CAC, Dolsie Allen, $14.9 million has been refunded to consumers since April.

Topping the categories for claims are hardware items which account for $6.89 million; motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts at $4.8 million and electrical equipment and appliances which accounted for just over $1 million.

Mrs. Allen revealed that most vendors settle quickly, while some resist on the basis that the consumer reported the matter to the CAC instead of coming to them.

Not vigilant enough

However, she noted that a majority of the cases are settled outside of court, while few go to a tribunal hearing at the CAC.

"We have more difficulty with smaller vendors, but with the well established ones we don't have a problem getting redress," she explained.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Allen said the rise in the number of motor vehicle complaints received, is cause for concern.

"We are concerned that consumers are not being vigilant enough ... if it is a used car, they don't take a mechanic to do any type of preliminary tests, they just hand over money," she said.

To this end, she is warning consumers not to be too quick to hand over funds without making the necessary checks.

Additionally, the consumer advocate pointed out that not many vendors or lawyers are aware of the provisions under the Consumer Protection Act. Many problems she said, develop because of ignorance.

Category
Settlement Value
Hardware items	$6,888,350.00
Motor vehicle and parts	$4,849,262
Electrical equipment and appliances	$1,054,992
Complaints relating to services	$806,764
Furniture	$325,800
Computer and computer parts	$319,111
Payment difficulties (tangible items)	$277,800
Utilities	$148,000
Jewellery, clothing kitchenware	$109,413
Food and beverages	$100,776
Other	$22,500
Chemical, pharmaceutical and petroleum products	$15,823